Xavi confirms Griezmann agreement

Barcelona manager Xavi has confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for forward Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman has been with Atletico Madrid so far this season, and now a permanent arrangement has been confirmed by the Catalan giants.

It is understood that Atleti have agreed to pay 20 million euros to secure the World Cup winning forward, from under the noses of Paris St Germain, who were apparently preparing a last minute bid for the player.

Xavi told reporters: "The club tells me that they have reached an agreement, but it is not official. If there is an agreement, it means that all parties are happy.

"I wish the player the best."

Griezmann had initially arrived at Barcelona from Atletico, and after just two season at the Camp Nou opted to return to his former club, for whom he has already recorded well over 200 appearances.

Griezmann is expected to be on the plane to Qatar for this summer's World Cup, and will be happy to have finally reached agreement on a permanent transfer.